The North Face Flight Vectiv
Buy The North Face Flight Vectiv at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The The North Face Flight Vectiv is a trail running shoe designed to offer speed and stability on various terrains. This shoe is part of The North Face's Vectiv collection, which integrates advanced technologies to enhance performance and comfort.
Key Features:
- Carbon Fiber Plate: Embedded in the midsole for enhanced propulsion and stability.
- Surface Control Outsole: Provides excellent grip and traction on different surfaces.
- Dual-Density Foam: Offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
The Flight Vectiv is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize speed and stability. Its carbon fiber plate offers propulsion, making it suitable for competitive trail running.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 40% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the The North Face Flight Vectiv
The North Face Flight Vectiv is a trail running shoe that excels in providing speed and stability. The carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole offers excellent propulsion, making it ideal for competitive trail running. The Surface Control outsole provides outstanding grip on various terrains, while the dual-density foam ensures a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. However, some reviewers have raised concerns about the shoe's durability, especially on more technical trails. The narrow toe box may also be an issue for runners with wider feet. Overall, the Flight Vectiv is a high-performing shoe that brings the benefits of carbon-fiber technology to the trails. It is a great option for trail runners looking to enhance their speed and performance.
Comparable Shoes
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 is another trail running shoe that offers excellent performance and durability. Unlike the Flight Vectiv, the S/Lab Ultra 3 does not have a carbon fiber plate but provides a high level of cushioning and stability. It is designed for long-distance trail running and offers superior protection and grip on technical terrains. Runners looking for a more durable and protective shoe may prefer the S/Lab Ultra 3 over the Flight Vectiv.
The Brooks Catamount is a trail running shoe that combines lightweight design with excellent cushioning and grip. While it does not feature a carbon fiber plate like the Flight Vectiv, the Catamount offers a responsive ride and is suitable for various trail conditions. It is a good option for runners seeking a versatile and comfortable trail shoe without the higher price tag of the Flight Vectiv.
The Hoka Challenger 7 is a good alternative to the The North Face Flight Vectiv for runners seeking a more durable trail running shoe. While the Challenger does not feature a carbon fiber plate, it offers excellent cushioning and grip, making it suitable for regular training runs. The Challenger is also more affordable and better suited for everyday use, whereas the Flight Vectiv is designed for speed and competitive trail running.
Special versions of The North Face Flight Vectiv
The The North Face Flight Vectiv Guard FutureLight is a special version of the Flight Vectiv that incorporates FutureLight technology for enhanced waterproofing and breathability. This version is designed to provide additional protection in wet and challenging trail conditions. While it retains the carbon fiber plate and dual-density foam midsole for propulsion and cushioning, the Guard FutureLight offers improved durability and weather resistance, making it suitable for more technical and adverse trail environments.
8 The North Face Flight Vectiv Pros & Cons
4 Pros
4 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the The North Face Flight Vectiv is made from a seamless circular knit material, which provides a comfortable fit right out of the box. This material is designed to be breathable, ensuring that the shoe remains well-ventilated during runs. The upper also features Matryx and Kevlar yarn panels, which increase stability and resistance in the midfoot area. Additionally, the reinforced toe cap offers extra protection and durability, making the shoe suitable for various trail conditions.
Midsole
The midsole of the The North Face Flight Vectiv features a dual-density foam that provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole enhances propulsion, helping runners maintain a fast pace on the trails. The midsole also has a rocker geometry (curved shape), which contributes to a smooth and efficient stride. This combination of technologies ensures that the shoe offers excellent energy return and support during runs.
Outsole
The Surface Control outsole of the The North Face Flight Vectiv is designed to provide excellent grip and traction on various surfaces. The outsole features 3.5 mm lugs, which offer a good balance of grip and speed. This makes the shoe suitable for different trail conditions, including light to moderate trails, wet grass, and crushed stone. The outsole's design ensures that runners can maintain stability and control during their runs.
Size/fit
The North Face Flight Vectiv has a snug fit, particularly in the midfoot area, thanks to the Matryx upper. However, the toe box is relatively narrow, which may be an issue for runners with wider feet. The heel cup comes up high at the ankle, which might cause discomfort for some runners.
Comfort
The North Face Flight Vectiv is designed to be comfortable right out of the box. The seamless circular knit upper and dual-density foam midsole provide a supportive and cushioned experience. However, some runners have reported stiffness in the back of the heel and Achilles, which may cause discomfort during longer runs. Overall, the shoe offers a good balance of comfort and performance for trail running.
Cushioning
The dual-density foam midsole of the The North Face Flight Vectiv provides a good balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The foam is firmer in the rearfoot and softer in the forefoot, which helps support the foot during uphill and downhill runs. This design ensures that the shoe offers adequate protection and comfort on various trail conditions.
Breathability
The seamless circular knit upper of the The North Face Flight Vectiv is designed to be breathable, ensuring that the shoe remains well-ventilated during runs. This feature helps keep the foot cool and dry, making the shoe suitable for long-distance trail running.
Stability
The carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole of the The North Face Flight Vectiv provides excellent stability during runs. The Matryx and Kevlar yarn panels in the upper also contribute to the shoe's stability, ensuring that the foot remains secure during various trail conditions. This combination of features makes the shoe suitable for technical trail running.
Durability
While the The North Face Flight Vectiv offers excellent performance, some reviewers have raised concerns about its durability. The shoe may not last as long as other trail running shoes, especially on more technical trails. However, the reinforced toe cap and Matryx upper provide some level of durability, making the shoe suitable for light to moderate trails.
Grip
The Surface Control outsole of the The North Face Flight Vectiv provides excellent grip and traction on various surfaces. The 3.5 mm lugs offer a good balance of grip and speed, making the shoe suitable for different trail conditions. This ensures that runners can maintain stability and control during their runs.
Flex
The North Face Flight Vectiv offers a good balance of flexibility and support. The carbon fiber plate in the midsole provides stability, while the dual-density foam and rocker geometry ensure a smooth and efficient stride. This combination of features makes the shoe suitable for various trail conditions.
Who should buy the The North Face Flight Vectiv?
The North Face Flight Vectiv is ideal for trail runners who prioritize speed and stability. It is suitable for those who participate in competitive trail running and need a shoe that offers excellent propulsion and grip. The carbon fiber plate and dual-density foam midsole make it a great choice for runners looking to enhance their performance on various trail conditions. Additionally, runners who appreciate a breathable and comfortable shoe will find value in the Flight Vectiv.
Who should not buy the The North Face Flight Vectiv?
The North Face Flight Vectiv may not be the best choice for runners with wider feet due to its narrow toe box. Those who frequently run on technical trails or in muddy and snowy conditions may also want to consider other options, as the shoe's durability and grip may not be sufficient for these environments. Runners looking for a more affordable option or a shoe for everyday training may want to explore other models.
The North Face Flight Vectiv: What's it good for?
The North Face Flight Vectiv is well-suited for trail running and ultra marathons. Its carbon fiber plate and dual-density foam midsole provide excellent propulsion and cushioning, making it ideal for 10k and half marathon distances. The shoe's breathable upper and Surface Control outsole make it suitable for various trail conditions, ensuring that runners can maintain stability and control during their runs.
5 The North Face Flight Vectiv FAQs
What is the weight of The North Face Flight Vectiv?
The North Face Flight Vectiv weighs 286 g (10.05 oz) for men's size 9 and 244 g (8.6 oz) for women's size 8.
Is The North Face Flight Vectiv suitable for technical trails?
While The North Face Flight Vectiv offers excellent grip and propulsion, it may not be the best choice for highly technical trails due to durability concerns and its narrow toe box.
Does The North Face Flight Vectiv have a carbon fiber plate?
Yes, The North Face Flight Vectiv features a carbon fiber plate embedded in the midsole, which enhances propulsion and stability.
What is the heel-to-toe drop of The North Face Flight Vectiv?
The North Face Flight Vectiv has a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm.
Is The North Face Flight Vectiv breathable?
Yes, the seamless circular knit upper of The North Face Flight Vectiv is designed to be breathable, ensuring that the shoe remains well-ventilated during runs.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | ReleasedJan 2021 | Feb 2020 | May 2020 | |||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 286 g W: 244 g | M: 459 g W: 391 g | M: 241 g W: 213 g | 326 g | 343 g | 360 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot19 mm | 16 mm | 18 mm | |||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm | |
| Heel | Heel25 mm | 20 mm | 24 mm | |||
| Brand | BrandThe North Face | Merrell | Merrell | New Balance | PUMA | PUMA |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | Low drop | Lightweight | |||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | ||||
Common characteristicsTrailNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
